Psalms 106:47

KJV

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {H3467} us, O LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, and gather {H6908} us from among the heathen {H1471}, to give thanks {H3034} unto thy holy {H6944} name {H8034}, and to triumph {H7623} in thy praise {H8416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Save us, ADONAI our God! Gather us from among the nations, so that we can thank your holy name and glory in praising you.

Berean Standard Bible

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.

American Standard Version

Save us, O Jehovah our God, And gather us from among the nations, To give thanks unto thy holy name, And to triumph in thy praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:47 is a fervent and climactic prayer for divine deliverance and restoration, serving as a pivotal plea within a psalm that meticulously chronicles Israel's persistent rebellion against God and His enduring faithfulness. It encapsulates the profound yearning of a people for God's intervention to rescue them from dispersion among the nations and enable them to fulfill their ultimate purpose: the worship and glorification of His holy name. This verse is both a humble confession of profound need and an unwavering expression of hope, firmly rooted in God's unchanging covenant character and His redemptive power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 106 stands as a penitential psalm, concluding Book Four of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106). It functions as a comprehensive historical review, meticulously recounting Israel's chronic unfaithfulness from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest, the period of the judges, and ultimately their exile. The psalm is a poignant litany of Israel's idolatry, murmuring, and ingratitude, yet it consistently highlights God's patient mercy and unwavering covenant loyalty despite their provocations. Verse 47, therefore, functions as a concluding cry for help, a turning point from the historical confession of sin to a future-oriented petition for restoration. It echoes the psalmist's earlier appeals for God's intervention, such as in [Psalms 106:4](/psalms/106-4 "Psalms 106:4 - Remember me, O LORD, with the favor you have toward your people"), and sets the immediate stage for the concluding doxology in [Psalms 106:48](/psalms/106-48 "Psalms 106:48 - Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely reflects a post-exilic context, or at least a period when the people of Israel were widely dispersed among foreign nations, referred to as "the heathen" or *goyim*. The Babylonian exile (c. 586 BCE) represents the most significant period of dispersion, fulfilling the severe warnings of the Mosaic covenant, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among Nations"). Even after the initial return from Babylon, a substantial portion of the Jewish population remained in the Diaspora, and the nation continued to face ongoing challenges under various foreign rules. This prayer, then, arises from a deep, collective awareness of their scattered, vulnerable, and often oppressed state, a direct consequence of their historical disobedience. It is a profound collective cry for God to reverse the judgment of exile and bring His people back to their land and to a place where they can worship Him freely and purely, as was the ideal in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Psalms 106 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance and Restoration**, emphasizing God's sovereign power to rescue His people from oppression and physically and spiritually re-gather them from their dispersed state. This aligns seamlessly with prophetic promises of return from exile found in books like [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God's Promise to Gather Israel") and [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries"). Secondly, it underscores **Confession and Dependence**, as the direct address "O LORD our God" signifies a humble acknowledgment of their unique covenant relationship despite their profound failures, recognizing that only He possesses the ultimate power and authority to deliver them. Finally, and crucially, the verse articulates the **Purpose of Salvation: Worship and Praise**. Deliverance is not merely for comfort or political autonomy but fundamentally for the glorification of God's name. The ultimate goal is "to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise," echoing the psalmist's consistent call to praise God's name, as seen in [Psalms 115:1](/psalms/115-1 "Psalms 115:1 - Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This verb (H3467) carries the primary meaning "to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." It denotes a powerful, decisive act of intervention by God, often from a position of distress, danger, or oppression. In this context, it refers to both physical deliverance from enemies and dispersion, and spiritual salvation from the consequences of sin. It is a fervent plea for God to act on behalf of His people, not because they deserve it, but because of His inherent character and covenant faithfulness.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This noun (H1471) refers to "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile." In the context of Israel's history, it specifically denotes the non-Israelite nations among whom God's people were scattered in exile or subjugation. The use of this term highlights their vulnerable, alienated, and often oppressed status, emphasizing the deep longing for a divine act to bring them back into unity, both geographically to their homeland and spiritually as a covenant community.
* **Triumph (Hebrew, _shâbach'_):** This verb (H7623), appearing here in the Hithpael stem (a reflexive/reciprocal intensive form), means "to address in a loud tone... to commend, glory, praise." In this specific construction, "to triumph" implies a public, joyful, and exuberant declaration of God's praiseworthy acts and character. It is not merely quiet gratitude but a boastful, public celebration of God's faithfulness and power, a declaration of victory that attributes all glory and honor to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save us, O LORD our God":** This opening plea is direct, personal, and urgent. It addresses God by His covenant name, YHwh ("LORD," H3068), and acknowledges Him as "our God" (H430), emphasizing the unique, albeit strained, relationship Israel has with Him despite their chronic failures. It is a cry for rescue, recognizing His exclusive power to deliver them from their dire circumstances, which are, in large part, a result of their own sin and rebellion.
* **"and gather us from among the heathen":** This clause specifies the nature of the desired deliverance – a physical, communal, and spiritual re-gathering from their dispersed state among foreign nations. The "heathen" (*gôwy*, H1471) represent the gentile nations where Israel was scattered in exile, highlighting their vulnerable and alienated status. This is a prayer for the reversal of the judgment of dispersion and a return to their covenant homeland and community, echoing the imagery of a shepherd gathering scattered sheep.
* **"to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, God-centered purpose of the requested salvation and gathering. Deliverance is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater end: the glorification of God. "To give thanks" (H3034, _yâdâh_) signifies acknowledging God's unique, set-apart character (H6944, _qôdesh_) and expressing profound gratitude for His saving acts. "To triumph in thy praise" (H7623, _shâbach_, and H8416, _tᵉhillâh_) implies a public, joyous, and victorious celebration of God's praiseworthy deeds and attributes. The restoration of the people is fundamentally for the restoration of proper worship and public testimony to God's greatness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. **Apostrophe** is prominently evident in the direct address, "O LORD our God," where the psalmist speaks to God directly, invoking His covenant name and relationship. This creates an intimate, urgent, and deeply personal tone, despite being a corporate prayer. There is clear **Parallelism** in the final clause: "to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise." These two phrases express a similar core concept – the glorification of God – through slightly different but reinforcing terms, emphasizing the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the desired worship and public acclamation. The entire verse functions as a **Prayer**, a specific literary form characterized by direct address to God, petitions for divine intervention, and expressions of desire or dependence. The repeated use of "us" and "our" signifies **Corporate Identity** and **Collective Supplication**, reflecting the psalm's broader focus on the shared history, failures, and destiny of the entire nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:47 stands as a profound theological statement on God's enduring faithfulness despite human sin, and the ultimate, God-glorifying purpose of His redemptive acts. It underscores the biblical truth that God's salvation is always oriented towards His own glory and the proper worship of His name. The prayer for gathering from the "heathen" connects deeply with the prophetic promises of restoration, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people even in their dispersion and judgment. It highlights the dynamic interplay between human repentance and divine mercy, demonstrating that even after a long history of rebellion, a humble plea to God's character can invoke His saving power, ultimately leading to renewed praise and thanksgiving. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all deliverance, whether personal or corporate, should culminate not in self-satisfaction, but in the glorification of the Deliverer.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3-5 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - God's Promise to Gather Israel from Dispersion")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - The people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-24](/ezekiel/36-22-24 "Ezekiel 36:22-24 - God's Gathering for His Holy Name's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:47 offers a timeless model for prayer and a profound lens through which to view God's redemptive work in our individual lives and in the life of the church. In a personal sense, it teaches us to acknowledge our own spiritual wanderings, our tendencies toward idolatry, and the "heathen" influences of the world that can scatter our hearts and minds away from God. It encourages us to humbly cry out for God's saving grace, trusting that He is able to gather us back to Himself, restoring our fellowship, purpose, and spiritual vitality. Corporately, this verse calls us to pray fervently for the global church, for believers who are persecuted or dispersed, and for those who are spiritually lost, that God would gather them into His fold, bringing unity and strength. Ultimately, it reminds us that the goal of all salvation – from sin's bondage, from distress, from spiritual apathy – is not merely our comfort or convenience, but the profound glorification of God's holy name. Our lives, delivered and restored by His grace, are meant to be a continuous song of thanksgiving and triumph in His praise, reflecting His magnificent glory to a world desperately in need of His saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I, or my Christian community, feel "scattered" from God or His intended purposes today?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "triumph in God's praise" in the midst of my daily life and challenges?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's chronic rebellion encourage me in my own struggles with sin and spiritual inconsistency?**
* **Am I actively praying for the "gathering" of others who are spiritually lost, oppressed, or marginalized, both locally and globally?**

### FAQ
**What does "heathen" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 106:47, "heathen" translates the Hebrew word *gôwy* (H1471), which literally means "nation" or "people." In the Old Testament, particularly in contexts referring to Israel's relationship with other nations, *gôwy* (plural *goyim*) often refers to non-Israelite nations, or Gentiles. Here, it specifically denotes the foreign lands and peoples among whom the Israelites were dispersed during their exile or periods of subjugation. It highlights their state of being scattered away from their homeland and their covenant community, often implying oppression, cultural assimilation pressures, or a loss of distinct identity (see [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion among the nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:47 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The ancient prayer for God to "Save us" and "gather us from among the heathen" is perfectly answered in the Messiah. Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering salvation not just from physical dispersion but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death (cf. [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - He will save His people from their sins")). Furthermore, Jesus is the great Gatherer. He spoke of gathering His people like a hen gathers her chicks (cf. [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' desire to gather Jerusalem")), and the New Testament reveals His mission to gather not only the scattered children of Israel but also "the children of God who are scattered abroad" (cf. [John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Jesus' death to gather the scattered children of God")), bringing both Jews and Gentiles into one new humanity in Him (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). The purpose of this gathering, just as in the psalm, is precisely "to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise." Through Christ, believers are redeemed and brought into a unified body, the Church, whose very existence and mission are to glorify God and proclaim His praises (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the ancient prayer of Israel is fulfilled in the global worship of the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Spirit, as people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are gathered to praise His holy and glorious name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 16:35

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, [and] glory in thy praise.

1 Chronicles 16:36

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Ezekiel 36:28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Revelation 7:10

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalms 107:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.